Storm brings high winds, flooding to NC

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — A winter storm system brought high winds and heavy rains that sparked some flooding in western North Carolina.

Nearly 14,000 customers were still without electric service late Thursday morning.

A fire driven by strong winds has destroyed a motel and a house in Surf City early Thursday. One person was taken to the hospital.

Another man was hurt when a tree fell on his house in Fayetteville on Wednesday evening.

A Charlotte television reporter was hurt when she was struck by a vehicle during a wreck Wednesday night. News 14 Carolina News Director Jim Newman said reporter Caroline Vandergriff was in stable condition in a Charlotte hospital.

Tornado watches and wind advisories expired in eastern North Carolina early Thursday.

Flooding occurred in the western mountains.

Appalachian State University canceled night classes Wednesday because of heavy rains and flooding across the campus in Boone. Classes were being held on a normal schedule Thursday as the flood waters receded.

Duke Energy reported more than 11,000 people without service, Jackson County in western North Carolina had the most outages.